In landfill management, what does the term "leachate" refer to?

Leachate refers specifically to the liquid that has percolated through waste materials in a landfill and has dissolved various contaminants in the process. As waste decomposes, especially organic waste, water can enter the landfill from rainfall or other sources. This water works its way through the layers of solid waste, picking up organic and inorganic materials, and can become highly contaminated. Managing leachate is crucial in landfill operations because it can lead to groundwater contamination and environmental issues if not properly treated and handled.

The importance of understanding leachate in landfill management lies in its potential environmental impact, as well as the necessity for systems to collect and treat this liquid to prevent adverse effects on surrounding ecosystems and communities. Hence, recognizing leachate as the liquid effluent from waste is fundamental to effective landfill management practices.